Prior to the College Football Playoffs, Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith purchased insurance.
By the time he leaves Columbus, Ohio State standout freshman Jeremiah Smith could be the first overall choice in the NFL draft and is on track to become one of the Buckeyes’ greatest wide receivers ever.
According to a report by Dennis Dodd of CBS Sports, Smith’s family has purchased permanent complete disability insurance ahead of the College Football Playoff in order to safeguard his future earnings, even if he is only a high draft pick.
Smith could turn pro as early as the 2027 NFL draft because he cannot declare for the draft until after his junior year at Ohio State. According to Dodd, his insurance is valid until August 1, 2027, or until he signs an NFL deal, whichever comes first.
Smith’s insurance policy, which is with Leverage Disability and Life Insurance, an athlete insurance company based in Southern California, covers him against a career-ending injury both on and off the field, according to Dodd. According to Dodd, his policy does not cover loss of draft value.
Richard Giller, head of insurance recovery at the Greenspoon Marder legal firm, told CBS Sports that “if this kid steps off the curb and gets hit by a car, he’s covered.”
According to sources cited by Dodd, permanent complete disability insurance is uncommon for freshmen. Furthermore, according to Dodd, who cited other sources, Smith’s rates range from $7,500 to $8,000 per million of coverage.
Over time, it has grown more typical for athletes to receive insurance, particularly during bowl games. The most recent instance is Colorado’s decision to fully insure its players, like as Travis Hunter and Shedeur Sanders, for the Dec. 28 Alamo Bowl.
Smith has been impressive during the Buckeyes’ journey for the CFP championship, with the exception of a quiet CFP Cotton Bowl semifinal against Texas, where he finished with only one reception for three yards on three targets.
Smith combined for 290 receiving yards and four touchdowns on 13 catches in the Buckeyes’ opening two CFP games against Oregon and Tennessee. Smith has 1,227 receiving yards and 14 receiving touchdowns on 71 catches this season going into Monday’s CFP championship game against Notre Dame, ranked seventh.
CNN football analyst Dan Orlovsky stated shortly after Ohio State’s victory over Oregon that Smith would be the first pick if he were eligible for the NFL draft in April and that “it wouldn’t even be close.”
According to Orlovsky, “He would easily be the No. 1 pick in this year’s draft,” on January 2. “You will have teams in two years, for that ’27 draft, tanking for him.”
On January 20, No. 8 Ohio State and No. 7 Notre Dame will square off in the CFP championship. On BetMGM, the Buckeyes were the early favorite by -9.5 points.
